Los Angeles residents revisited the trauma of recent wildfires through an innovative blend of virtual and augmented reality experiences Friday night, a year after devastating blazes tore through the region.The “Innovation Social – Reflections on Loss,Hope and Renewal” at the Los Angeles Music Center offered a uniquely immersive way to process the emotional and environmental scars left by the fires.
A New Way to Remember and Rebuild
The event combined art, technology, and community to foster healing and resilience in the wake of disaster.
- The event took place on January 9, 2026, at the Los Angeles Music Center Dorothy Chandler pavilion.
- Attendees experienced virtual and augmented reality recreations of the Palisades and Eaton Canyon fires.
- The musical group Evolve Altadena performed original songs written by survivors of the Eaton Canyon fire.
- TreePeople distributed acorns as a symbol of renewal and reforestation.
- The event coincided with the one-year anniversary of the Palisades and Eaton fires (January 7).
What role can technology play in helping communities heal after natural disasters? Virtual and augmented reality offer powerful tools for empathy and understanding, allowing individuals to confront difficult experiences in a safe and controlled environment.
Guests explored interactive 3D stations designed to recreate the atmosphere and impact of the Los Angeles area wildfires. The experience wasn’t just visual; it was designed to evoke a sense of shared memory and collective healing.
Adding an artistic dimension to the evening, the musical group Evolve Altadena performed original songs penned by survivors of the Eaton Canyon fire. Their music provided a poignant soundtrack to the evening, amplifying the emotional resonance of the VR and AR exhibits.
The day also included a series of other commemorative events throughout the region, demonstrating a widespread commitment to acknowledging the impact of the fires and supporting those affected.
What are your thoughts on using technology to process trauma? Share your outlook in the comments below.
